Scheduled to open in winter 2008/2009 with the launch of Capella Bahia Maroma’s resort and residential properties, the Rees Jones designed course will be the only private course on the Yucatan Peninsula. The project also represents the final golf course in the Riviera Maya with permission to build along the Caribbean coast. Rees Jones commented, “When you think of the world’s great courses, so many classic holes that finish on the ocean come to mind. It’s a privilege to work with such a remarkable natural setting, and so exciting to watch our own seaside layout take shape.” Jones continued, “Carlos Tomassi of Grupo Carrousel and Capella’s Horst Schulze have established a vision for a residential community and beach resort that will set new standards of luxury, and we’re designing a course that will reward residents and guests with an unforgettable golf experience.” The 18-hole, par 72 course weaves through the natural vegetation within Capella Bahia Maroma’s 254 acre setting opposite the world’s second largest coral reef — the Great Maya Reef. At approximately 7,000 yards, the course offers varied terrain and hole elevations that take their cues from the natural terrain. Many holes feature striking views of the crystal blue Caribbean Sea, with the 9th and 17th holes finishing directly at water’s edge. In the classic tradition of great seaside courses, the 18th fairway runs parallel to the water for a finish on the Caribbean. Sculpted bunkers and strategically placed hazards, rippled fairways of varied widths and a mix of green contours — combined with varying breezes off of the Caribbean — result in a challenging but fair course that will delight residential members and resort guests through repeated rounds. A Golf Clubhouse will include a fitness center, restaurant, bar and pro shop, plus personalized services for golfers. A wedding and special events pavilion will be located adjacent to the clubhouse. Golf membership will be limited to residents and hotel guests and is set at a maximum of 300. In addition to the course and Golf Clubhouse, homeowners and resort guests at Capella Bahia Maroma will enjoy access to an Auriga spa, a superb beach club with outdoor pools and whirlpools and gourmet restaurants. The resort itself is limited to 86 suites, located in villas opening directly to the Caribbean. With fewer than 130 for-sale residences, Capella Residences Bahia Maroma ensures homeowners a very private retreat and the lowest density of any resort and residential community on the Riviera Maya. Residence offerings include 43 golf estates in three secluded garden enclaves that boast course views and the finest golf lifestyle in the market. The Golf Course at Capella Bahia Maroma is destined to take its place alongside acclaimed Rees Jones seaside designs such as Ocean Forest Golf Club, Haig Point Club, and Monterey Peninsula Country Club, among others. Capella Bahia Maroma is located between the world-renowned destinations of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, and is easily accessible from Cancun International Airport, 26 miles to the north.  Capella Hotels and Resorts serves today’s top-tier travelers and residential property owners and is setting a new standard in the hospitality industry. Capella promises the unique benefits of the finest boutique hotels, including superb architecture and interior design, privacy, individualized service and attention to detail – combined with the amenities and activities of the world’s great luxury hotels and resorts. Capella, led by founder Horst Schulze, is a brand focused on customer choice, and offers choices that no other hotel company in the world can match. Capella is opening world-class properties in gateway cities and high-profile resort destinations around the world, including: Capella Telluride (Telluride, Colorado); Capella Singapore (Sentosa Island, Singapore); Breidenbacher Hof, a Capella Hotel (Düsseldorf, Germany); Capella Bahia Maroma (Riviera Maya, Mexico); Capella Pedregal (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico); Capella Castlemartyr (Cork, Ireland); Capella Dunboy Castle (Castletownbere, Ireland); and Schloss Velden, a Capella Hotel (Velden, Austria).